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Economic Situation: Subversion

Asked by Mr Tanmanjeet Singh DhesiLabourDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 30 January 2026UIN 107437

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is able to take to respond to economic coercion from other countries.

Answered by Chris Bryant

The UK is well prepared to respond to economic coercion and has a strong and flexible toolkit to defend its interests. We can act through diplomatic engagement, international dispute mechanisms, and cooperation with allies, including the G7. We also retain the ability to use trade and non‑trade measures, consistent with international rules, to address unfair trading practices and protect UK businesses. Alongside this, we are strengthening economic resilience by supporting businesses to diversify markets and supply chains, and by continuing to reform and enhance our trade defence and remedies framework, including through seeking views on new powers to respond to economic pressure.

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